Wheezing
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Whistling when I breathe
Respiratory wheeze
Loud breathing
Stridor
About the Symptom
Wheezing is a high-pitched, coarse whistling sound made during breathing when the airway is partially blocked.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Wheezing
Possible Causes
Generally, Wheezing can be related to:
- Tracheomalacia
Tracheomalacia literally translates to floppy airway (trachea) and happens when the tissues of the airway instead of being rigid and stiff, are weak and floppy, causing breathing difficulties. This can be due to intrinsic issues with tissues (cartilage) of the windpipe (trachea) itself or due to something in the chest pushing on the airway such as a blood vessel. As there are highly variable severities and types of tracheomalacia, the symptoms vary greatly as well.
- Vascular Ring
A vascular ring is a malformation of the aortic arch, which is the main blood vessel leading from the heart. Due to this malformation, the aortic arch and its branches may partially or completely encircle the windpipe (trachea), the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), or both, causing breathing and digestive issues.
- Laryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia literally translates to floppy voice box (larynx). The laryngeal structure is malformed and floppy, causing the tissues to fall over the airway opening and partially block it. It often presents shortly after birth with noisy breathing (stridor) and in severe cases can result in poor weight gain. Of note, there are many other reasons for neonates to have stridor and these conditions should be evaluated by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis and make sure it is nothing more serious.
- Sarcoidosis (Including Erythema Nodosum-Like Eruption)
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
- Viral Bronchiolitis
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Wheezing may be related to these serious diseases:
- Foreign Body in Bronchus
Foreign bodies can become lodged in the airway. The trachea, or windpipe, is part of the airway and divides into the right and left bronchus, which connect to the lungs.
- Bronchial Asthma
- Anaphylaxis
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you experience wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing?
- When did you first notice wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing?
- How often do you experience wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing?
- How are your wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing now?
Reviewed By:
Phillip Aguila, MD, MBA (Pulmonology, Critical Care)
Dr. Aguila graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He has trained in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann University at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He has served as Assistant Professor since 2010.
Eisaku Kamakura, MD (Pulmonology)
Dr. Kamakura graduated from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Dentistry, and the Niigata University School of Medicine. He trained at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital and held positions in the Respiratory Medicine departments at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ome City General Hospital, and Musashino Red Cross Hospital. In 2021, he became the specially appointed assistant professor at the Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Still Wheezing? Why Your Albuterol Fails & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
If albuterol is not relieving wheezing, common reasons include incorrect inhaler technique, airway inflammation that needs controller medication, overuse, or a non-asthma cause. Red flag signs like no relief after repeated doses, trouble speaking, or bluish lips require emergency care. Medically approved next steps cover confirming the diagnosis with spirometry, optimizing technique with a spacer, adding or adjusting inhaled steroids or combination therapy, managing triggers, and home peak flow monitoring; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Kumar A, Miano C, Ramakrishnan N, Gaffin JM, Bacharier LB, Phipatanakul W, Teach SJ, Saini Y. Treatment of poorly controlled asthma: biologics and beyond. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023 Nov;11(11):3313-3323. doi: 10.1016/j.jacip.2023.08.006. Epub 2023 Aug 24. PMID: 37626388.
* Wenzel SE. Current Approaches to Improve Asthma Control: An Update. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Aug;9(8):3017-3026. doi: 10.1016/j.jacip.2021.06.014. PMID: 34293886.
* Brusselle GG, Joos GF, Adkins J, Backer V, Chanez P, Pelaia G, Buhl R. Diagnosis and Management of Severe Asthma: The Role of Biological Agents. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Jan;12(1):31-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jacip.2023.10.019. Epub 2023 Nov 2. PMID: 38202521.
* Corren J, Joish VN, Chen W, Small M. The Future of Asthma Management: Treating Beyond the Guidelines. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Jun;9(6):2180-2187. doi: 10.1016/j.jacip.2021.03.003. Epub 2021 Mar 13. PMID: 34091016.
* Harrison N, Al-Jawad S, Singh D, Menzies-Gow A. Understanding the impact of short-acting β2-agonist overuse on health outcomes in asthma. Respir Med. 2023 Jan;206:107054. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.107054. Epub 2022 Nov 10. PMID: 36384074.
Q.
Short of Breath? Why Your Body is Starving for Oxygen & Vital Next Steps
A.
Shortness of breath can be a sign of hypoxia, when your tissues are not getting enough oxygen, often due to lung, heart, blood, or environmental problems; severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or blue lips are red flags that need immediate medical care. There are several factors and next steps to consider, including how oxygen levels are checked, targeted treatments, prevention tips, and how to tell mild from serious causes; see the complete guidance below to decide the right timing for care and what to do now.
References:
* Sears R, Lindsell CJ. Causes of Dyspnea. *Heart Fail Clin*. 2021 Jan;17(1):1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2020.08.001. Epub 2020 Oct 19. PMID: 33203597.
* Nair G, Dweik RA. Hypoxemia and the Pathophysiology of Oxygen Transport. *Clin Chest Med*. 2020 Dec;41(4):659-672. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2020.08.005. Epub 2020 Sep 28. PMID: 33153678.
* Mahler DA, O'Donnell DE. Dyspnea: The Pathophysiology of Breathlessness. *Respir Care*. 2018 May;63(5):603-619. doi: 10.4187/respcare.06042. Epub 2018 Apr 10. PMID: 29636284.
* Hsu CH, Lin YF, Chen CP, Chen YC, Chu WH, Lin TH. Evaluation and Management of Acute Dyspnea in the Emergency Department. *Emerg Med Clin North Am*. 2019 Feb;37(1):55-72. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2018.09.006. Epub 2018 Nov 1. PMID: 30471694.
* Kushlan KA, Rinkevich C, Devaraj M. Evaluation of the Patient with Dyspnea. *Med Clin North Am*. 2022 Jul;106(4):627-641. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.03.003. Epub 2022 Apr 14. PMID: 35749969.
Q.
Mucinex for Women 30-45: Symptom Relief & Your Next Steps
A.
Mucinex for women 30 to 45 can thin and loosen chest mucus to make a wet cough more productive, but it does not open narrowed airways, cure infections, or treat a dry cough unless the product includes a suppressant. There are several factors to consider, like choosing the right formula, staying well hydrated, watching for drug interactions and special situations such as pregnancy or high blood pressure, and knowing red flags like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, or a cough over 3 weeks that mean you should seek care; see the complete guidance and next steps below.
References:
* Kim SY, Chang YJ, Cheng J, et al. Non-antibiotic treatments for acute bronchitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Mar 4;3(3):CD001764. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001764.pub5. PMID: 33660350; PMCID: PMC8092671.
* Smith SM, Schroeder K, Fahey T. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Nov 24;(11):CD001831. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001831.pub4. PMID: 25420457.
* Rubin BK. Mucolytics, Expectorants, and Antitussives: Focus on Chronic Bronchitis. Clin Chest Med. 2013 Dec;34(4):795-802. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2013.08.009. Epub 2013 Oct 12. PMID: 24267499.
* Dickson C, et al. Mucus, Mucus Clearance, and Cough. Chest. 2017 Jul;152(1):154-164. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2017.03.029. PMID: 28688461.
* Kantar A, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Guaifenesin in Children With Acute Cough: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Asthma Allergy. 2024 Mar 22;17:341-352. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S440263. PMID: 38550754; PMCID: PMC10969567.
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